For several weeks now, former recruiter Grant McCagg has been explaining with the help of various tweets that, for him, Shane Wright really isn’t the first choice for the Montreal Canadiens.
He shares many of his views on Wright’s game and explains why he doesn’t really see Wright as a franchise player, far from it.
Regardless, McCagg has been attacking Shane Wright for quite some time, and he really doesn’t think he’s the player to pick first overall.
You’re probably thinking right now that if McCagg doesn’t see Wright coming out first, he’s seeing another player get drafted first overall.
Well, in fact, McCagg sees Slovakian winger Juraj Slafkovsky as the first player selected in the upcoming draft.
Slafkovsky was named Slovakia’s Player of the Game. Best performance I’ve seen from a draft-eligible prospect this year. He displayed elite skating, skill, intelligence, defense and competitiveness throughout the game.
Gord Miller said a “Statement Game”. For me, it was a Confirmation Game.—Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) May 20, 2022
McCagg is impressed with Slafkosvky to say the least. He explains that the Slovak put in the best performance he has ever seen from a prospect being eligible for the play-off the same year in Slovakia’s final match against Kazakhstan.
The former CH scout adds in detail that throughout the match, Slafkovsky demonstrated “elite” skating, excellent puck handling, very intelligent play and solid defensive play.
In short, for McCagg, the choice is clear and obvious.
This run today sums up Juraj Slafkovsky’s offensive potential. For a recent 18-year-old, 6-4, 220-pound hockey player, having that much skill is exciting for draft fans. He knew he had potential, but this is ridiculous. He’s only going to get better too. pic.twitter.com/q6sHSk7AKD
—Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) May 20, 2022
Surely by watching this sequence you can understand a little why McCagg is impressed.
Slafkovsky then scored on the penalty kick awarded to him after his fine climb.
Two quick goals, including Juraj Slafkovsky’s penalty show for Slovakia.🇸🇰💥#KAZSVK #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/LGuaNZK5LN
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 20, 2022
Despite almost all responses to McCagg’s anti-Wright or pro-Slafkovsky tweets disagreeing with him, the former scout continues to praise Slafkovsky’s performance at the World Championship of Hockey.
In fact, McCagg has added to this by saying in one of his recent tweets that Slafkovsky could play in the NHL next year. According to him, the Slovakian is completely ready for the NHL.
McCagg sees Slafkovsky as the perfect winger for the trio of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield next year.
I think he can play in Montreal’s top line next season and help in many ways. Caufield and Suzuki tried various wingers last year…none bring the package he does. No, it’s not too soon. This kid is ready.
—Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) May 20, 2022
In the end, I disagree with McCagg. I think Wright is the right pick early on overall, and I think the Habs will draft him.
However, McCagg’s reliance on his claims and analysis of Juraj Slafkosvky is clearly sobering, and that is exactly the purpose of this text. Make think.
McCagg also explains that the HC enjoys the luxury of being able to choose the player they want between Shane Wright, Juraj Slafkosvky and Logan Cooley.
Additionally, he asked various people in the hockey world what their best choice would be, and all three names came out. However, Slavkovsky’s returned more frequently than the other two.
The most mentioned name was Slafkovsky, and if past history is any indication, you’ll see the momentum continue. Do you remember the year of MacKinnon’s draft? Jones was No. 1 on many lists until Drouin, Barkov and Mack had big playoffs.
—Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) May 21, 2022
Much
– Will Lundell be dropped from the Panthers’ roster for Game 3?
Lundell played just 4:07 in Game 2, nothing after the first period.
He is practicing today. https://t.co/DgTRIO6TFx
—Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) May 21, 2022
– McDavid is just dominant.
Here is my latest article on the most dominant player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs:
This is how Connor McDavid wins: ‘It’s like a shark circling in the waters’
via @ElAthletic https://t.co/ZABmGeSq4t
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) May 21, 2022
– I think he does deserve more minutes this season.
Average goals per game in MLS this season:
1️⃣ Zachary Brault-Guillard: 1.46 (2 goals)
2️⃣ Taxiarchis Fonts: 1.18 (5b)
3️⃣Gabriel Pereira: 0.90 (2b)
4️⃣ Jesus Ferreira: 0.82 (9b)Does ZBG deserve more playing time, having played just 96 minutes this season?#CFMTL
— KAN FC ⚽ (@kanfootballclub) May 21, 2022
– MacKinnon and McDavid on top.
Yesterday I showed the microstat totals from the first round, but here are some stats per game.
Which players had the most 5v5 scoring opportunities per game in the first round?
AllThreeZones Data pic.twitter.com/k6jW7SL6ze
—JFresh (@JFreshHockey) May 21, 2022
– Some other advanced stats on streaks so far.
Which players created the most offense of the race at 5v5 per game in the first round? pic.twitter.com/5j9nkzl1qD
—JFresh (@JFreshHockey) May 21, 2022
#Grant #McCagg #convinced #Juraj #Slafkovsky #ready #NHL